Game sense is a teaching approach used in physical education that focuses on asking open-ended questions to students during game play to stimulate critical thinking and problem solving. Rather than instructing students on skills and techniques, the teacher uses games as the central lesson component and prompts students to assess strategies and tactics. This student-centered approach aims to develop thinking, motivation, and life skills like decision making, while also incorporating physical skills. Game sense can be applied to various types of target, striking, invasion, and net/wall games.

1. Michelle Roccon
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2.  Game sense is a new approach to teaching physical
education taken from the teaching games for
understanding model (Mandigo, Holt, Anderson &
Sheppared , 2008).
 The teacher selects an activity and rather than instruct
students what to do, asks open ended questions which
stimulates thinking and allows the class to solve problems
as they arise. This method of learning challenges students.
 Game Sense is an approach in which the teacher utilises
games as the focus of the lesson.
 Student centred approach. It is about learning student’s
learning as they play (Mandigo et al, 2008).

3. This model represents
how game sense is
applied and
manifested in
physical education
lessons.
Light, 2006

4. Game sense is supported through four types of
categories:
1. Target: Golf, curling, archery and darts
2. Striking: Basketball, cricket and baseball.
3. Invasion: Hockey, soccer, football, rugby.
4. Net and wall: volleyball, badminton and
squash
(Light, 2006)

5.  By focusing on the game rather than technique students
are forced to concentrate on the meaning of the
‘WHOLE’ game.
 Propensity to develop thinking players.
 Motivation is developed through enjoyment and fun for
learning.
 The nature of the game is learnt first then as student’s
gain an understanding they incorporate skills.
 Develops fundamental movement patterns and
coordinated actions of the body.

6.  Throughout the game there is regular intervals
where students are asked to stop and reflect.
This gives them the opportunity to assess their
strategies and tactics to make adjustments if
necessary (Town, 2002).
 Game sense develops skills such as leadership,
planning trust and cooperative learning.
 Life skills such as decision making and problem
solving are enhanced through games sense.
 Can accommodate varying ability levels through
simple modification of the game maximising
inclusion for all students (Town, 2002).
The Rationale Continued....

7. Game sense is all about asking questions in order for
students to provide immediate, meaningful feedback.
Open ended questions are always uses as they promote
thinking.
Examples of key questions:
1. What is the purpose of the game?
2. When should you....?
3. Where should you....?
4. Which option was best....? Why?
5. How should you.....?
Winter (2016).
The Idea of Game Sense....

8. LINKS TO PDHPE SYLLABUS
GSS3.8: Applies movement skills in games and
sports that require communication, corporation,
decision making and observation of rules:
• Participation in games and sports combining
strategy, teamwork, movement skill and fair play.
• Explains the rationale for particular strategies
and rules in individual and team games and sports.
• Combines a series of skills for use in a game, e.g.
run, kick, catch and pass.
• Develops strategies for effective teamwork
• Identifies people who can help them improve
their game and sports skills.

9. LINKS TO PDHPE SYLLABUS
CONTINUED.....
The PDHPE syllabus states that students should
develop five essential skills which are as follows:
1. Communicating
2. Decision Making
3. Interacting
4. Moving
5. Problem Solving
Game sense approach addresses all skill
outcomes listed above.

10. Reference List
Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just
good coaching? Journal of Physical Education,
39(1),8-19
Mandigo, J., Holt, N., Anderson, A., & Sheppared , J.
(2008). Children’s motivational experiences
following autonomy – supportive games lessons.
European Physical Education Review, 14(3).
Board of studies NSW. (2012). PDHPE K-6
syllabus. Retrieved from:
https://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/pdhpe/

11. REFERENCE LIST CONTINUED.....
Towns, J. (2002). Game Sense: About Game sense.
Retrieved from:
http://www.activehealth.uow.edu.au/gamesense/index.h
tml
Winter, C. (2016). Game Sense Activities: Practice and
improve skills of Australian football in a game – like
environment. Retrieved from:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Game+Sense+Activ
ities:+Practice+and+improve+skills+of+Australian+footb
all+in+a+game+%E2%80%93+like+environment.+&ie=utf-
8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=hkf0V-3dCYH90ATO2q-gDw